adminThe 2008 champion says the Ferrari driver — second to Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel in 2012 — will be his benchmark as he begins his Mercedes career.
“Alonso’s the fastest driver I can see,” said Hamilton, whose team-mate Nico Rosberg was quickest in testing.
“I think Ferrari are going to be quick this year. He’s the guy I want to beat. Anyone would struggle to beat him.”
Hamilton made a stunning debut as Alonso’s team-mate in 2007 before their relationship turned sour over which of them was the team’s de facto number one.
Alonso left to rejoin Renault – with whom he won the 2005 and 2006 world titles — but he and Hamilton now share a mutual respect.
The Spaniard nominated Hamilton as the strongest driver on the grid in the build-up to the new season.
Hamilton said renewing his rivalry with another former team-mate Jenson Button did not interest him. — BBC Sport.
Online Reporter